Jim Abrahamson becomes CEO of Interstate Hotels & Resorts

Arlington-based Interstate Hotels & Resorts announced changes to its senior leadership team Wednesday. Effective Dec. 1, Jim Abrahamson, Interstate’s president and COO, will move up to the position of CEO. Current CEO and Chairman Thomas F. Hewitt will remain as chairman. In addition, Samuel E. (Ted) Knighton becomes COO. Other members of the team on Dec. 1, are: Julie Pangelinan, chief financial officer; Leslie Ng, chief investment officer; and Christopher Bennett, chief administrative officer and general counsel.

Hewitt said in a statement that Abrahamson “brings worldwide perspective, deep brand experience with Hilton, Hyatt and IHG and proven industry leadership to our company at a time of extremely rapid growth. He already has developed great relationships with our owners and is highly regarded by the leading brands. He has been a terrific addition to lead our Interstate team.”
Knighton will oversee global operations of the company’s managed and owned hotels located on three continents. He has been with Interstate and its predecessor company since 1990 and has held increasingly important positions. Most recently, he was president of hotel operations, responsible for Interstate’s North American portfolio, Interstate’s largest region.

Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of a 50/50 joint venture between subsidiaries of Thayer Lodging and Jin Jiang, is leading hotel management company in the U.S., operating branded, full- and select-service hotels and resorts, conference centers and independent hotels worldwide. The company and its affiliates manage and/or have ownership interests in nearly 400 hotels, with more than 69,000 rooms in 40 states, the District of Columbia, China, Russia, India, Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, England and the Netherlands.